If you’ve ever taken a sip from a water cooler and thought, “Hmm… this tastes a bit off,” you’re not alone. Whether you’re running a busy office in Auckland, a school in Hamilton, or a gym in Christchurch, your team deserves water that’s not just cold and convenient, but clean, safe, and great-tasting.  And with more Kiwis focused on health, hydration, and sustainability, the question is more relevant than ever: Is your water cooler properly filtered?

That’s where filtration comes in—and where Big Blue leads the way.

So, is the water in your cooler filtered? Let’s dive into what that really means, why it matters, and how Big Blue ensures every drop is top-notch.

Why Filtration Matters

New Zealand is fortunate to have access to high-quality municipal water. But even treated water can contain:

  • Chlorine – used to disinfect, but can affect taste and smell
  • Sediment – like rust or dirt from ageing pipes
  • Organic compounds – which can cause odours or cloudiness
  • Microplastics – increasingly found in urban water supplies

Even if it’s technically safe to drink, water that tastes metallic or smells like a swimming pool isn’t exactly inviting. And if your team isn’t drinking enough water, that can affect energy, focus, and wellbeing.

What Is 1 Micron Filtration—and Why Is It Important?

Not all water filters are created equal. Big Blue uses 1 micron filtration in its plumbed-in and fill your own water coolers, which is a significant upgrade over standard filters.

✅ What is a Micron?

A micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre. A 1 micron filter can remove particles that are invisible to the naked eye—including:

  • Fine sediment
  • Cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
  • Some bacteria
  • Microplastics

To put it in perspective, a human hair is about 70 microns wide. So a 1 micron filter is incredibly fine—and incredibly effective.

✅ Benefits of 1 Micron Filtration

  • Cleaner, clearer water
  • Improved taste and smell
  • Reduced health risks
  • Better hydration compliance from staff

Big Blue’s filtration systems are designed to deliver water that’s not only safe—but enjoyable to drink.

Filtered Water vs. Bottled Water

You might be wondering: “Why not just use bottled water?” Good question.

Big Blue’s water delivery option uses high quality filtered water that’s bottled at their own facilities under strict hygiene standards. It’s not just tap water in a bottle—it’s filtered, tested, and delivered fresh to your door.

And if you’re using a plumbed-in cooler, the filtration happens on-site, so you get unlimited clean water straight from your mains supply—no bottles required.

Either way, you’re getting filtered, great-tasting water that meets high NZ standards.

How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?

This is where many businesses fall short. A filter is only effective if it’s maintained properly. Over time, filters can become clogged or even start to grow bacteria if they’re not changed regularly.

Big Blue takes care of this for you. Their rental plans include:

  • Scheduled filter replacements
  • Regular servicing
  • 25-step Envirosafe sanitisation

So you never have to worry about when the last filter change was—or whether your water is still safe to drink.

Signs Your Cooler Might Need a Filter Change

Not sure if your current cooler is up to scratch? Here are a few red flags:

  • Water tastes metallic, musty, or “off”
  • Flow rate is slower than usual
  • Water looks cloudy or has visible particles
  • Staff are avoiding the cooler altogether

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to give Big Blue a call.

Filtered Water and Sustainability

Filtered water is also a greener choice.

  • Plumbed-in coolers reduce plastic waste by eliminating bottles altogether.
  • Water delivery bottles are reusable and sanitised between uses.
  • Filtration systems reduce the need for single-use bottled water, cutting down on landfill and transport emissions.

Big Blue is committed to helping businesses meet their environmental goals without compromising on quality or convenience.

What Sets Big Blue Apart?

There are plenty of water cooler companies out there—but here’s why Big Blue is trusted by thousands of NZ businesses:

  • Locally owned and operated for over 25 years
  • NZ’s largest water delivery footprint (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, Palmerston North, Masterton, Canterbury)
  • Advanced filtration technology, with minimum 1 micron bacteriostatic filters
  • Flexible rental plans with full servicing included
  • Friendly, responsive customer service

Whether you’re after a plumbed-in system or our water delivery option, Big Blue ensures your water is filtered, fresh, and always flowing.

Final Thoughts: Clean Water, Clear Minds

Filtered water isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It keeps your team hydrated, focused, and feeling good. And with Big Blue, it’s easier than ever to make sure your water cooler is delivering the quality your people deserve.

So if you’re not sure what’s in your water—or when your filter was last changed—it might be time for an upgrade.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Visit www.bigblue.co.nz to explore our range of filtered water coolers, book a free site visit, or request a quote. Wherever you are in New Zealand we’ve got your hydration sorted.

Because when it comes to clean, safe, great-tasting water—Big Blue’s got your back.